Applications are invited for a Researcher in Statistical Genetics and Pathogen Dynamics to join the Pathogen Dynamics group at the new Oxford Big Data Institute under the supervision of Professor Christophe Fraser at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. This is an exciting opportunity to join a large team trialling an intervention to tackle the HIV epidemic in Zambia and South Africa. Members of the group study the dynamics of several human infectious diseases using both modelling and pathogen genetics, and the post offers substantial opportunities for career development. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team dedicated to discovering the causes of variation in virulence in HIV-1 infected patients.

You will join a team working on the BEEHIVE project. In this European-wide project, led from Oxford, over 3,000 well-characterised patients are being studied using cutting-edge techniques in viral genomics. The primary aims of the project are: 1. to test the role of viral genome variation in determining the severity of infection, and so understand the basis of viral virulence and pathogenesis; 2. to use viral genomics to infer past patterns of epidemic spread across Europe; 3. to test the role of viral genetic diversity in predicting clinical outcomes of treatment.

You will have a PhD in statistical genetics, applied computing, statistics, infectious disease epidemiology, applied mathematics, data sciences, or relevant quantitative science, together with relevant experience in genetics or statistics. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in genetics or pathogen dynamics to work within established research programmes. In addition you will have experience of contributing to scientific publications or presentations.

This position is fixed-term until 30 April 2019 with a possible renewal for a further year. It is funded by the European Research Council Advanced Grant ‘Bridging the Evolution and Epidemiology of HIV in Europe’ (BEEHIVE).

You will be required to make your application online and upload a supporting statement. Please quote reference 125978 on all correspondence.

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on Wednesday 14 December 2016 can be considered.